Press Release, 31st July 2020: On 30 July 2020, at the Friendship Gate Chaman, Afghan forces opened unprovoked fire on innocent civilians gathered towards Pakistan’s side of the international border. Pakistan troops deployed on the posts were also simultaneously engaged by Afghan posts. Pakistan troops responded to protect our local population and acted only in self-defense. It is reiterated that Pakistan Force did not open fire first and responded in self-defense only. To de-escalate the situation, the Pakistan side immediately activated both military and diplomatic channels and it was after hectic efforts that the firing was stopped from the Afghan side. Negin Afshar, the Afghani girl to champion women’s rights   It must be noted that the borders with Afghanistan were opened for pedestrian movement and trade, upon the request of the Afghan authorities. Pakistan is undertaking concerted efforts to ensure regulated movement of trade between the two countries, which are being challenged by elements opposed to such regulation. Moreover, due to Eid ul Azha, pedestrians’ move was also allowed. People gathered for this purpose were deliberately targeted by Afghan forces for incomprehensible reasons. This unfortunate incident resulted in numerous casualties and deliberate/serious damage to State infrastructure on the Pakistan … Continue reading Firing at Pak-Afghan border, Chaman